Michigan

3 candidates vie for 2 posts in Saline school board race

Saline Community School district voters will have the opportunity to choose two Board of Education members from a field of three candidates on May 5.

Incumbent Bari Livsey and two newcomers Craig Hoeft and Amy Cattrell are vying for two open seats. Board Vice President Trudy Driscoll chose not to run for reelection.

In addition, voters will be asked to approve a combined 0.85 mills for 10 years - 0.35 for a school sinking fund and 0.50 mills for the CARES millage that supports community programs.

If approved, the sinking fund millage will be used for building repairs, improvements to parking lots and improved traffic flow at the high school. In addition, upgrades are planned for heating and cooling systems in the schools as well as updates for technology.

Candidate profiles

Amy Cattell

Age: 48.

Amy Cattell

Family: Husband, Mike, married 24 years; children: Michael, 19, Washtenaw Community College student, and Lindsay, 16, Saline High School junior.

Previous elected office: None.

Background: Business and marketing. "I always worked around my children's school schedule. Now, I have a freelance interior design consulting business."

Education: Oakland Community College, business administration classes, 1980-85; completed 2-year courses to become a certified travel agent (1982-84); worked in the travel business as consultant, manager, outside sales, from 1979-2001.

Community involvement: Moved to Saline about 20 years ago; volunteer in all the school buildings, at all grade levels; 2000-2002 - facilitated students and administration in Saline school system; placement of "peace poles" at all the school buildings; current volunteer at Arbor Hospice; member Parent Network/Saline Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking.

Most important issue: Maintaining the high standards that Saline Schools has achieved. "We have an amazing amount of parental support and we need to make sure that stays active. Saline schools strive to be innovative and work hard at developing a curriculum that reaches all students."

Most important issue: "Continue providing our students with the highest quality education during these economic times. Just in the last four years, things have changed dramatically. When my oldest daughter graduated from college, she was able to find work in her field immediately. Now, my youngest daughter, who just graduated in December, is finding it difficult to find work and especially in her field. As a school community, we need to assess and determine how better to prepare students for the future. Their education needs to provide flexibility and possibly work with other districts to access creative and innovative course options."

Occupation: Self-employed, Top Line Executive Services (on-demand executive services for professionals and business owners).

Education: Bachelor's in finance from Eastern Michigan University.

Previous elective office: Saline Board of Education.

Community involvement: Trustee of Saline Board of Education; First Presbyterian Church of Saline; former board member of HelpSource; Birmingham YMCA; St. Paul United Church of Christ; Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Most important issue: "Today's issue is improving the standard of education in a shrinking economy. No easy task, but one that a majority of people around the nation are contemplating. The board's role is to support, to listen, to provide guidance and, most of all, to advocate for the school district. As an advocate, I feel a continued focus on improving the financial foundation of our schools is paramount. This requires you have to have the right people leading the district, you have people that are willing and able to make tough decisions and sacrifices, and that you have a community that truly loves its schools. I think that is Saline."